"Shrouded is a masterfully written mystery novel, powered by well-developed characters and a sophisticated plot. Who stole the Shroud of Turin, and what do they want with it? And who kidnapped our favorite nun, Sister Mary Llewellyn? Crispin, our anxiety-ridden but determined young sleuth, is on the case."
--David Aretha, award-winning author
"Crispin Leads is a heroine I can get behind: bold, brilliant, empathetic and intelligent. Traversing Turin and the Vatican Shrouded's heroine will leave you breathless. It's the mystery, not a man, that Crispin is out to solve."
--Bethany Hegedus is an award-winning novelist and Creative Director of The Writing Barn
"Shrouded is the contemporary thriller The DaVinci Code wanted to be."
-Bill Johnson, author of A Story is a Promise and The Spirit of Storytelling
In SHROUDED, debut amateur sleuth Crispin Leads finds herself on a pulse quickening, brainteasing adventure in the style of The DaVinci Code. Crispin must go undercover, steal secret computer information, and stop an international conspiracy by combining travel, history, and cutting edge science. Move over Dan Brown!
--Manning Wolfe - Texas Lady Lawyer Series
"I could not put Shrouded down. It had all the right things I want in a mystery novel, adventure, intrigue, and a driven, interesting female protagonist."
-- Katherine Moore- Editor and Ghostwriter
"Shrouded is a really fabulous international jet-setting story with smart writing and a compelling plot. I enjoyed it thoroughly..."
-- Sam Bond, award-winning author
Shrouded is a finalist in the 2017 Writers' League of Texas Manuscript Contest
Fascination with the Shroud of Turin has sparked scientific, literary, cinematic and religious intrigue. With so many disciplines focusing on the subject, some might consider its story appeal to be worn thin. But Meredith Lee (pen name for writers Dixie Lee Evatt and Sue Meredith Cleveland) has crafted an exceptionally engaging mystery with the Shroud at its center.
Crispin Leads is a young NYU graduate student newly arrived in Rome, where she has been awarded a Vatican grant to pursue research on a topic unrelated to the Shroud. Within hours of her arrival, she’s befriended by Roberto Rossini, who she later learns is a priest. Shortly thereafter, a murder occurs in the Vatican offices where Crispin is to meet with a Bishop to discuss her research. While waiting, Crispin hears screaming from down the hall where a corpse is soon discovered, making her a witness, of sorts.
Coincidently, Crispin is reunited with a childhood friend, a nun working in the Office for Documentation of Holy Relics – Holy Shroud of Turin. It’s not long before another murder occurs, which leads Crispin and Roberto to discover connections between the deaths and the Shroud.
The plot delivers numerous twists and surprises as the well-paced narrative moves from Rome to Turin, from Spain to Paris. The author richly describes each locale, including specific landmarks and foods unique to the regions.
Even better, the characters are well-developed and engaging. Crispin is a vulnerable, intelligent young woman, while Roberto provides a calming presence. He also has a secret surrounding him that, despite his cleric collar, raises questions about his motives. A handful of other characters further propel the story and ratchet up the intrigue.
Shrouded ends with a prologue to what the author notes is “the next installment” in the “Crispin Leads Mystery Series.” This is good news indeed. Crispin is a likeable character, one that readers will want to get to know further as they watch her methodicaland absorbingdeduction skills in action.”
--BlueInk Review (starred review)